There are generally no “rags-to-riches” stories in chess, but in this story, chess played a tremendous role in opening up a world to an impoverished girl from Uganda. A world she could not have known. The story is not one about chess so much as it is a story about how chess can play such a transformative role in helping one to realize a dream. I can think of a couple of other players who have benefited this way because of chess, but these stories are not told often enough.--Daaim Shabazz

Phiona’s story is wonderful. This video gives a nice sense of what the event in Philadelphia was like. I was glad I made the trip to the Marshall to meet her.-Polly Wright

Very nice video, great photo at the bottom! Very interesting story.--Tim Brennan